Welsh Rugby Regions: Two Set for Abolishment?

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has proposed a plan to ⁢cut the number of professional teams in Wales ⁣from four (cardiff, ⁣dragons, Ospreys, and Scarlets) to two. this is ⁤due to the struggles ⁣of Welsh teams in⁤ the United Rugby Championship, a⁣ decline in the number of elite players coming through the system, and financial issues⁣ – including the WRU taking control of Cardiff Rugby after it went into temporary⁣ management.

The plan, formulated by Dave Reddin, Abi Tierney, and Richard Collier-Keywood, ⁤aims to concentrate resources and funding into two teams with both men’s (50 players) and women’s (40 players) sides, ⁤predominantly⁣ comprised of Welsh-qualified players. These teams would operate under licenses, with owners responsible for⁣ commercial operations, and would ⁤eventually move to a national ⁤training⁢ base. The WRU also plans to improve⁤ Super Rygbi Cymru ⁤and establish a senior women’s domestic competition.

A consultation process began⁢ on September 1st, with a recommendation to ‍the⁤ WRU⁣ board expected in mid-October and a final decision by the ‍end of ⁢October. The location and names of the new teams are currently unknown, and the existing clubs are likely to resist the changes.